VERMILLION, S.D. (Interstat) — A surging South Dakota women’s basketball team looks to continue its dominance in the Summit League when it hosts struggling Missouri-Kansas City on Thursday night at the DakotaDome. The Coyotes (19-6, 8-2 Summit) enter on a four-game winning streak and sit near the top of the conference standings. They are led by guard Angelina Robles, who is coming off a career-high 28-point performance in a 74-69 road victory over Oral Roberts on Feb. 7. Over her last five games, Robles is averaging 20.4 points, showcasing her role as South Dakota’s primary scorer. The visiting Kangaroos (7-17, 3-7) have lost three straight and eight of their last ten. They are looking to avoid a season sweep after falling 67-47 to the Coyotes in Kansas City on Jan. 3. In that game, South Dakota’s defense held UMKC to 30.2% shooting from the field. A key player to watch for UMKC is forward Zaire Harrell, who leads the team in scoring during conference play. Harrell posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Saint Thomas (Minn.) on Jan. 17 and scored 14 points in a loss to Oral Roberts two days later. She will need a strong performance to challenge a stout Coyotes defense that allows just 54.2 points per game in league play. South Dakota has been nearly unbeatable at home this season, boasting a 10-1 record in Vermillion. Their defense has been particularly stifling, holding Summit League opponents to an average of 52.8 points in five home conference games. For UMKC, containing Robles and finding consistent offense outside of Harrell will be critical. The Kangaroos have averaged only 54.3 points during their current three-game skid. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST on Thursday, Feb. 12, in a matchup that underscores the contrasting trajectories of the two programs in the Summit League race.